Episode 3159 (19th April 2002)

Episode 3159
Production code	D720/75
ITV transmission date	19th April 2002 (Friday)
Storyliners	Andrew Kirk Wendy Bloom Fintan O'Higgins Lindsay Williams
Editor	John Allen
Script editor	Katie Swinden
Writer	Janys Chambers
Designer	Karen Roch Mike Long
Director	Tim Dowd
Executive producer	Keith Richardson
Producer	Steve Frost
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Previous episode	18th April 2002
Next episode	21st April 2002

Plot

As the news of Ashley leaving spreads around the village, there is obvious tension. Not least for Bernice who is desperate in her efforts to try and convince him to stay. After a tearful exchange Bernice tells Ashley that she should go and leave Ashley and Gabby behind. Unable to comprehend why Bernice would want to abandon her own daughter, Ashley questions her decision. Pacing the back room Rodney and Diane brace themselves for the worst. Diane takes out her frustrations on Rodney blaming him for just about everything she can think of! Stepping back from the situation, Bernice and Ashley have time to reflect on their relationship together. Acknowledging their miscarriage a year ago takes courage and they share each other's grief. Establishing that they both want what's best for Gabby, Bernice decides it is time to leave. She announces that she will take the job on the cruise ship if it is still available, much to Diane's distaste as she stresses it is no place for a baby. Bernice reveals she has no intention of taking Gabby. Diane is furious.

Cast

Regular cast

• Ashley Thomas - John Middleton
• Bernice Thomas - Samantha Giles
• Diane Blackstock - Elizabeth Estensen
• Rodney Blackstock - Patrick Mower
• Gabrielle Thomas - Annelise Manojlovic (uncredited)

Guest cast

None

Locations

• The Vicarage - Living room, upstairs hallway, stairs, hallway, driveway and nursery
• The Woolpack - Public bar, back room and car park
• The Ford

Notes

• Viewing Figures: UK broadcast - 9,150,000 viewers (14th place).